Whether your existing deck has seen better days and need an upgrade, or you are looking to build a deck from scratch, there are technical features and certain aspects about choosing the materials that you need to consider when you’re starting the planning phase.
The main concern with an ageing deck is the health issues. Before you buy new timber, you must consider the following safety checks:
- Test different areas and make sure they aren’t weakening when stepping on them.
- Any signs of rusted nails and if any splinters are sticking out.
- Check if the bannisters and railings are secure.
- Ensure that the decking is not bouncing or flexing and sagging.
Designing Your Deck
When you are designing your deck, these helpful tips can help you make the right decisions for the design of your project:
- Multi-level layouts, unusually shaped decks or custom design are more technical and will be costly. A simple design is often more attractive and less expensive to build.
- For a great looking deck, you must think about the materials that will stay in tune with the aesthetical appearance of the rest of your home and garden.
- The location and the underground utilities are even more essential to consider, regardless of the materials or design that you’ll be utilising.
Selecting Timber
There is a great selection of timber choices to choose from, each with their own set of pros and cons. Pressure treated timber is derived from pine trees. Other popular types include Jarrah, Batu, Blackbutt, spotted gum and Merbau. These timbers are a great choice as they are weather-resistant and hardwearing and are ideal for outdoor bush settings with a barbeque.
Ultimately, when you want to buy decking timber, and you need to find out more about which type will be the best choice for you, seek the assistance of a qualified decking expert.
Hardwood timber is generally the more expensive type of timber, and the problem is that they can be divisive as there is not always a guarantee that they are from a sustainable environmentally-friendly source.
Treated decking timber are rated due to the protection they have against insect attacks and fungi.
There Are Three Types Of Cosmetic Grades For Treated Timber:
- Select – straight grained with not a lot of knots
- Standard – they usually have different appearances when comparing the different pieces and has quite the distinctive appearance.
- Character – typically identified by sap streaks and knots. They are popularly used for a rustic look an often considered for making furniture for example table slab.
Maintenance
Timber decking is an investment and can last for many years if you take special care with maintaining your deck and bear in mind how the timber will react to weather changes.
Maintenance plays a vital role in both aesthetic and structural considerations.
Completion Of Your Deck
This part is essential when you’re thinking about the life of the timber. Two types of finishes will determine the final appearance of the deck as well as the life expectancy.
Reactive finishes – oil-based including oil-based varnish, oil, oil-based polyurethane and oil-based stainer.
Coalescing finishes – water-based and only one or two coats are used. They include enamel, water-based oil, water-based polyurethane, water-based varnish and water-based strainer.